Synopsis: "The narrative architect behind the Bourne film series, Tony Gilroy, takes the helm in the next chapter of the hugely popular espionage franchise that has earned almost $1 billion at the global box office: The Bourne Legacy. The writer/director expands the Bourne universe created by Robert Ludlum with an original story that introduces us to a new hero (Jeremy Renner) whose life-or-death stakes have been triggered by the events of the first three films. For The Bourne Legacy, Renner joins fellow series newcomers Rachel Weisz, Edward Norton, Stacy Keach and Oscar Isaac, while franchise veterans Albert Finney, Joan Allen, David Strathairn and Scott Glenn reprise their roles" (UIP).

Verdict: Finally, a poor Bourne instalment! Bourne Legacy is not as skillfully filmed as its predecessors and offers nothing but cliches of the genre. A long but watchable common action flick without a satisfying end. Jeremy Renner may not be the one to be blamed for the movie's major disappointment because his role as Aaron Cross, the new protagonist, was not written or developed to have at least the similar spark as Jason Bourne. Also, those who haven't seen the previous instalments might have a rough time figuring out the heck is going on in the movie as its timeline overlaps with Bourne Ultimatum. With that being said, not only that Tony Gilroy did a bad job as a director for this sequel, but poor writing as well. I personally also felt that it wasn't necessary to have Edward Norton to play his role as well.

Second opinion: "It's average to me; it's quite interesting at some parts while draggy at the others" (Iris Loong; never seen the previous Bourne instalments).

Post-credit scene: There is none. Matt Damon / Jason Bourne only appears in this sequel in photographs and dialogues.

Sequel? Will not work without Matt Damon and Paul Greengrass back to reprise their roles.

Rating: 2 / 5

[SPOILER SECTION BEGINS HERE]Best scene: The action sequence where Aaron Cross goes around the house of Dr. Marta Shearling (Rachel Weisz) kicking ass and tricking the driver outside through a Walkie-talkie.

WTF police: The Thai "asset" (government assassin) can go around stealing one cop vehicle after another and never gets chased by them.[SPOILER SECTION ENDS HERE]

Special thanks to Nuffnang for the invitation to the premier screening of the film.